Muscat: Senior Molecular and Community Geneticist at the National Genetic Centre – Dr. Musallam bin Said al-Araimi said that the average genetic diseases rate in Oman is between 5.4 per cent to 7pc in the new live births; above the world average which is not more than 4.5pc.
He added that 37pc of the newborn mortality and premature newborn are due to severe genetic disorders. He added that genetic disorders are the reasons for 10pc of the newborn mortality and 52pc for older children in the Sultanate.
He said that more than 300 types of genetic diseases have been recorded in the Sultanate. 3.5 to 4.7:1000 live births have blood hereditary diseases and 60pc of the Sultanate's population have genes for genetic blood disorders.
The most common genetic blood disorder in the Omani society is the G6PD deficiency as 28pc of males and 12pc of females have the gene of the disease.
"Genetic disorders resulting from husband and wife having the same gene disorders contribute by 51pc of the total number of genetic disorders recorded in the Sultanate compared to 28.3pc for the chromosomal disorder, he fathered.
He also noted that Down syndrome is one of the chromosomal disorders.
The metabolic disorders and the genetic feeding disorders contribute by 20.7pc of the genetic disorders in Oman.
“Genetic disorders may cause audio, visual and motor disabilities. Latest statistics show that 10pc of the Omani families have one child suffering from genetic disorders that may lead to disability”, he concluded.
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